Appeal: Men's Hockey Championship - MRU VS. SAIT |
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Appeal Ruling
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2010-11 SeasonAlan Rogan - President March 31, 2011
The Appeal Tribunal that was formed to consider this matter, met on Thursday, March 31, 2011. The case manager, Alan Rogan, determined the format for the hearing which included a written submission from the appellant (Mount Royal University), the Interim ACAC Commissioner’s ruling, a written affidavit from R. Day, ACAC General Manager, letter from M. Dobell of MRU on behalf of Head Coach Jean LaForest and a registration confirmation letter for Steve Houghton from MRU. With respect to the initial task of the Appeal Committee, (Article III, Section 4), the Appeal Tribunal found there was grounds for an appeal to be considered. With respect to the original ruling by the Interim Commissioner, the tribunal felt that the decision was an attempt to find a compromise in what is an exceptional circumstance. In reaching a decision, the Appeal Tribunal unanimously felt that it must focus on the ACAC’s foundational core value of being a student-centered organization. The ACAC’s core values also speak to accountability and integrity. The tribunal wants to acknowledge and commend Mount Royal University for self-disclosing this information in what must have been an extremely difficult decision to make. These two teams have battled hard all season long and had a very tight 5 game playoff series. It would be extremely unfortunate to decide this championship based on a technicality such as this. Common sense and the spirit of sport need to prevail. Mr. Houghton only served as an emergency back-up goaltender for one game and did not factor into the result of this championship game or series. Based on the extraordinary circumstances of this situation whereby a backup goalie was required on such short notice, the information that was given to Coach LaForest by General Manager R.Day that he could file the paperwork on Monday; the tribunal feels that MRU should not be fined the $1500 for an administrative error. In addition, the Appeal Tribunal has serious concerns for the safety of the players and the high probability of injures that could result should a replay of game five occur. The tribunal is also concerned about the player’s ability to concentrate on their academic success. The academic calendar is coming to an end and this season has already been extended by one week. These student-athletes require time to catch up on their studies and focus on their upcoming final exams. Therefore, the Appeal Tribunal, by unanimous decision, has determined that the final result of game #5 of the ACAC Men’s Hockey Championships shall stand and that the Mount Royal University Cougars be crowned the 2010-11 Men’s Hockey Champions. The decision of the tribunal is final and binding upon the parties and upon all members of the ACAC. Respectfully submitted Kelly Almer (Medicine Hat College) – Chair |